Meet the Women Behind the Scenes

SOUTHEAST III DIVISION LEADER

Dr. A’kilah Moore is a distinguished leader in education with over two decades of teaching and administrative experience at the high school and collegiate levels.

She has managed grants totaling $6M+ to fund scholarships and support programs for underrepresented students, increasing the number of traditionally underserved STEM students obtaining degrees.

She was an undergraduate NASA scholar and is a graduate of Saint Mary's College of California, Howard University and Spelman College.

Dr. A'kilah prioritizes helping organizations build the capacity to carry out their strategic plans. She finds joy in being a mother of 3 and a mentor to many young Black women. She enjoys lifting weights, skiing, running and traveling.

MIDWEST DIVISION LEADER

Ashley Thomas, M.Ed, born and raised in Cleveland, OH, is a dedicated educator & community leader, passionate about education & youth empowerment. She earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Marietta College, and a master's degree in education from Cleveland State University. Ashley’s educational background has been foundational to her contributions in education & community service.

As Vice President of the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Board of Education & a Board Member in the Garfield Heights City School District, she plays a significant role in shaping educational policies to benefit her local community. Ashley founded the Sevynteenth Foundation, a non-profit aimed at inspiring & empowering youth to become productive citizens, profoundly impacting many young lives.

In addition to her educational and non-profit work, Ashley coordinates a diversity nursing program at Ursuline College, promoting inclusivity and equitable healthcare. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects her core values. Her efforts have earned her several community awards, including Who’s Who in Black Cleveland, Community Servant Leader of the Year, the Phenomenal Woman’s Award, and the 10 Dope Black Women You Should Know.

In March 2023, Ashley joined the Black Girl Social Club as President, leading the Cleveland chapter through significant growth and fostering strong bonds among its members. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and family and assisting her partner with their new restaurant, Hooked!

Ashley’s dedication to education, community service, and youth empowerment continues to make a positive impact on those she serves. She is excited to be the Division Leader of the amazing Midwest!

SOUTHEAST I DIVISION LEADER

I’m so excited to introduce myself as the Southeast I Division Leader for Black Girl Social Club! Joining this incredible sisterhood is both an honor and a privilege, and I can't wait to connect, build, and grow alongside all of you.

A little about me—I’m a Leadership Coach and Consultant dedicated to helping women unlock their full potential, step into their power, and create the lives they truly deserve. I’ve spent the last decade mentoring and coaching female leaders, advocating for equity in education, and ensuring that success isn’t just a possibility but a reality for our communities. But beyond my career, I’m a proud HBCU grad, a mom of two amazing little ones, and a firm believer in the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.

As I step into this role, my goal is simple: to create spaces where we all feel empowered, supported, and unstoppable. Whether through meaningful conversations, social events, or opportunities to elevate personally and professionally, I’m here to ensure we all WIN—together.

WEST DIVISION LEADER

Professional Background

Lakeesha Alford is the dedicated West Division Leader of BGSC, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to the organization's mission. Her journey within BGSC began as a member of the Los Angeles Chapter, where she quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Vice President and President. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to advancing organizational goals, guided by the vision of the CEO.

Lakeesha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and possesses a diverse array of certifications, including Communication, Event Management, Effective Decision-Making, and Problem-Solving. Professionally, she is a seasoned Sergeant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, nearing the milestone of retirement. In addition to her law enforcement career, she makes impactful contributions as the Program Director for the Inglewood Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., and serves on the Regional Program Committee for the Far West Region of the organization.

Leadership and Community Engagement

Lakeesha is an active and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., celebrating 26 years of involvement. Within the sorority, she co-chairs the Arts & Letters Committee and has taken on regional responsibilities. Her leadership extends to the executive board of the Black Peace Officer Association and the A Step to Freedom Foundation. Her passion for creativity and business acumen are further exhibited in her role as an event planner and her past position as Chief Financial Officer at the Creative House Art Gallery.

Personal Life and Values

Beyond her professional and community commitments, Lakeesha is a loving wife and mother to a vibrant 13-year-old son. She treasures long walks in the park, traveling, exploring new cuisines, and indulging in music, dancing, and opera. Her personal philosophy is grounded in loyalty, honesty, patience, and kindness, values she diligently applies to her life and leadership approach.

Vision and Goals

Throughout her career, Lakeesha has been recognized for her excellence, empathy, and strong communication skills. She leads with passion and purpose, aiming to inspire and empower others. As the immediate past President of the Los Angeles Chapter of BGSC, she and her team orchestrated successful events and earned division awards. Her leadership style is characterized by a "can-do" attitude, a spirit she is eager to foster within the West Division.

Lakeesha's goals are clear: to engage actively, listen intently, and assist presidents in cultivating activities that promote wellness, community service, sisterhood, and personal development. She eagerly anticipates connecting with each member and witnessing their can-do energy in action.

NORTHEAST DIVISION LEADER

Samantha loves all things black, empowerment and sisterhood. She is a social butterfly and thoroughly enjoys connecting with people. Samantha has curated “Black Girl Magic” experiences within her family circle as well as her professional circle. She believes that all black women should uplift and encourage each other and set examples for the next generation to shatter glass ceilings.

Samantha is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Harlem, NYC, now living in the Bronx. She is known for saying that she “culturally identifies with being a proud Harlemite!”

She has worked in the nonprofit sector for twenty years, recently transferring to the public sector doing community engagement, outreach, and community relations. Working in and about and for the community is where Samantha has found her passion and what brings her fulfillment.

Samantha is a proud mother and wife. Her family brings her the greatest joy and she relishes in time well spent celebrating birthdays, milestones, and even the smallest achievements. Creating memories that will last forever with her children and husband is a priceless commodity that she never takes for granted.

Samantha is always ready with a smile or embrace and loves to see women win! She is so excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to coordinate precious experiences for women in Harlem and the Bronx!

DIVISION DIRECTOR

Taylor Hunter is a proud Los Angeles native with an insatiable curiosity for exploring the world and a penchant for baking in her spare moments. By day, she immerses herself in the dynamic realm of technology at UCLA Health, specializing in training both staff and patients on the intricacies of various applications.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Taylor has the privilege of serving as the West Coast Division Leader for BGSC (The Black Girls Social Club), a role that ignites her passion for fostering community and empowerment. Drawing upon her alma mater, Spelman College, she is deeply committed to nurturing relationships and creating spaces where African American women can thrive.

Taylor's enthusiasm for event coordination and planning fuels her confidence in leading her division, ensuring that both members and leaders alike revel in their BGSC experiences. Together, as a united sisterhood, she is thrilled at the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for their division and organization.